PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
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Keywords
Hepatitis C virus, Blood donors, Seroprevalence, ELISA, Transfusion-transmitted infections
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major transfusion-transmitted infection and a global public health challenge. Despite mandatory screening of blood donors, periodic surveillance remains essential to ensure transfusion safety.
Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of HCV infection among blood donors at a tertiary care centre and to analyse year-wise trends.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective, record-based study was conducted in the blood bank of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Blood donor records from January 2021 to December 2025 were reviewed. All donated blood units were screened for anti-HCV antibodies using a third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed to calculate prevalence and trends.
Results: A total of 11,820 blood donations were screened during the study period. Six donors were found to be reactive for anti-HCV antibodies, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 0.05%. No reactive cases were observed in 2021 and 2023, while one reactive donor each was identified in 2022 and 2024, and four reactive donors were detected in 2025.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a low prevalence of HCV infection among blood donors, reflecting effective donor selection and screening practices. Continuous surveillance is necessary to maintain and improve transfusion safety.
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Vinit Bhatnagar
Research Scholar, Department of Microbiology, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India Email: [email protected]
Dr. Jyoti Tomar
Research Supervisor Department of Microbiology, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
